NON-LEAGUE: Survival of the fittest at Peterborough Sports

Alan Swann

All conquering Peterborough Sports have wasted no time in putting together a squad capable of lifting the United Counties Premier Division title.

Sports ran away with Division One - one of four major competitions they won last season - but manager Jimmy Dean can’t be accused of resting on his laurels.

Steve Mastin (right) has left Netherton for Blackstones.

So far Dean has persuaded Jones brothers Richard and Mark to drop down a couple of levels for next season and he’s enticed highly-rated goalkeer Aaron Butcher to the club from Wisbech.

Midfielders Dan Banister and Dan Lawlor are also new arrivals as is last season’s Peterborough Northern Star skipper Luke Smith.

Dean is now chasing a right-back to compete with Olly Medwynter ahead of the start of the new season.

“We’ve done great business already,” Dean insisted. “The Jones brothers are top players and getting Mark to join us when he was offered a new contract by Boston United is a real coup. I want competition for places and I have it everywhere in the squad now.

“It will be the survival of the fittest and that’s how I like it.”

Centre-back Wilkins Makate has left Sports for city rivals Star, while midfielder Jake Sansby has also departed in search of first-team action.

Yaxley have signed former Posh youth team and ex-Histon and Bedford defender Stuart Wall as well as former Daventry striker James Tricks. Goalkeeper Andy Stevens has however left Intuitive Park.

Yaxley manager Brett Whaley said: “Stuart has massive experience and will be a big presence in our dressing room. James is another great attacking option for us, and I’m sure he will add goals to team.”

Netherton United skipper Steve Mastin has joined United Counties Division One side Blackstones.

Holders Peterborough Sports have been drawn away to Division One side Wellingborough Whitworth in the first round of the UCL Cup